Introduction to Guided Istanbul Tours
Welcome to Guided Istanbul Tours, the #1 ranked tour company on travel market places for private Istanbul experiences. Based in Istanbul, we offer expertly guided cultural tours across Turkey, with a special focus on Istanbul’s rich culture, history, and hidden gems.
Whether you're a solo traveler or part of a group, our mission is to turn every moment of your trip into a meaningful memory. We create personalized itineraries tailored to your interests with expert local guides.
At Guided Istanbul Tours, your satisfaction is our priority. From handpicked highlights to off-the-beaten-path adventures, we’re here to make your time in Turkey truly exceptional.
Why Choose Guided Istanbul Tours?
At Guided Istanbul Tours, we specialize in private tours led by licensed guides who are true experts in their field. Our meticulously designed tours are aimed at providing you with a deep dive into Istanbul's history, culture, and iconic landmarks. With our tours, you can expect a seamless and enriching journey that uncovers the hidden gems of this magnificent city.
We are consistently rated among the best in Turkey. Across trusted platforms like Google, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator, ratings average 4.8–4.9 out of 5. This reflects strong service quality, professional licensed guides, and reliable organization. Travelers value clear communication, punctuality, and the ability to customize tours according to personal interests.
What We Offer
With our wide range of tour offers, whether you want to travel like a local or discover like a historian, we’ve got you covered!
- Private City Tours
- Shore Excursions
- Private Layover Tours
- Luxury Yacht Tours
- Bosphorus Cruise Tours
- Package Turkey Tours
- Tailor-Made Tours
From full-day city tours to multi-day Turkey packages, our tours are flexible, private, and customizable.
*If you are separately interested in any tours above, please let us know in the detailed information tab of contact form.
- Trusted Local Experts
- Flexibility of Change
- Personalized Itineraries
- Hassle-Free Service
- 7+ Languages
- Customer Satisfaction
- No Hidden Cost
- 24/7 Support
Benefits of a Guided Tour
Opting for a guided tour offers numerous advantages that enhance your overall experience. Our tours provide a structured itinerary, ensuring you visit all the must-see locations without the hassle of planning and navigating on your own. Moreover, our knowledgeable guides bring each site to life with their in-depth information, fascinating insights, and captivating storytelling. Their expertise ensures that you gain a deeper understanding of Istanbul's historical significance and cultural nuances.
Best Selling Tours
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2, or 3 Day Tour
Private Istanbul Layover Tour from Airport
4 Days Turkey Tour: Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia
7 Day Private Turkey Tour
Exploring Istanbul with Guided Istanbul Tours
We offer a variety of Istanbul tours that cater to different interests. Here are a few highlights:
Best of Istanbul: 1–3 Day Private Guided Tour
A flexible itinerary depending on how much time you have. One day covers the Old City with Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. Two days add the Spice Market, a Bosphorus cruise, and Dolmabahce Palace. Three days expand into Fener & Balat, Pierre Loti Hill, the Chora area, and Suleymaniye Mosque.
Istanbul City Tour with Bosphorus Cruise
Combines a walking tour through highlights like the Spice Market and Istanbul's top desrinations along with a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Along the way you’ll see Ottoman mansions, palaces, and bridges spanning two continents.
Small Group Istanbul Tour (with Lunch & Tickets)
A cost‑effective option for travelers who enjoy meeting others. Includes skip‑the‑line access to top sites like Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul Layover Private Tour
Designed for travelers passing through Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Depending on your schedule, you can visit major sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia,, and Grand Bazaar before heading back for your flight.
Each tour typically includes a professional licensed guide. Transport, attraction fees, and meals may be included or optional depending on the tour format. Daily durations are usually 6–8 hours.
Cappadocia
Best of Cappadocia: 1–3 Day Private Guided Tour
Covers essentials like the Göreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and Devrent and Pasabag valleys. Longer itineraries add Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and additional panoramic viewpoints.
Cappadocia Classic Private Tour
A one‑day overview including Göreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Avanos Town, Devrent Valley, Pasabag (Monks Valley), and Ozkonak Underground City.
2- Day Tour of Cappadocia with Hot Air Balloon Option
A highlight for many visitors, this tour includes Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Avanos Town, Rose Valley, Devrent Valley, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Pigeon Valley, Sinasos (Mustafapasa), Ortahisar Castle, and the option to have a hot air balloon flight.
Private Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul (1 Day)
Designed for travelers short on time, this includes an early flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia for a day of touring before returning the same evening. Sights include: Goreme Open Air Museum, Fairy Chimneys, Uchisar Castle, Avanos Town, Devrent Valley, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Ozkonak Underground City.
Ephesus
Ephesus Classic Tour
See the major ruins at the Ephesus Archaeological Site including the Grand Theater, Library of Celsus, and Hadrian’s Temple. Tours often include a stop at the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis (Artemision).
Ephesus by Night
An evening or night visit lets you experience the ancient city under softer lighting. Itinerary includes: Ephesus Ancient City, Celsus Library, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Hadrian, Great Theater, Temple of Artemis, Harbor Street of the Ancient City, Terrace Houses.
Ephesus & Kuşadası Shore Excursion
Ideal for cruise travelers, this includes port pick‑up, and visit to Celsus Library, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Hadrian, Great Theater, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque, Harbor Street of the Ancient City.
One‑Day Private Ephesus from Istanbul
For visitors with limited time, this option allows you to fly from Istanbul in the morning, tour Ephesus highlights such as the Archaeological Site, Virgin Mary’s House, and the Temple of Artemis ruins, then return in the evening.
Other Destinations Across Turkey
Guided Istanbul Tours also arranges private excursions to many of Turkey’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Options include:
- Pamukkale and its travertine terraces
- Gallipoli, site of World War I battles
- Fethiye and the Turquoise Coast
- Eastern Turkey, with Mount Ararat and ancient sites
- Troy, legendary home of Homer’s Iliad
- Pergamon (Bergama), with its dramatic acropolis
- Mediterranean Turkey, including coastal towns and beaches
- Antalya, hub of the southern coast
- Konya, city of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes
- Bodrum, a resort town with a lively atmosphere
- Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex
- Ankara, Turkey’s capital city
These destinations can be combined with Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus to create extended itineraries throughout the country.
Custom Turkey Tours
If you prefer to design your own journey, tailor‑made tours allow you to combine regions like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus, or add other destinations such as Pamukkale or Antalya. You can adjust the pace, choose specific themes (history, food, religion), and create a fully personalized itinerary with the help of experienced guides.
The Integral Role of Private Guides in Guided Istanbul Tours
Private guides are the cornerstone of our tours at Guided Istanbul Tours. They are instrumental in enriching your Istanbul tour experience, transforming it from a mere sightseeing trip into a deep, insightful exploration of the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Expertise and Knowledge
Our private guides are not just well-versed in Istanbul's history and culture; they are passionate storytellers who bring the city's past to life. They delve beyond the surface, providing fascinating insights, intriguing anecdotes, and lesser-known facts that you wouldn't find in a typical guidebook. This depth of knowledge allows you to gain a more profound understanding of Istanbul, its people, and its heritage.
Personalized Experience
At Guided Istanbul Tours, we believe that every traveler is unique, with their own interests and preferences. Our private guides are committed to tailoring the tour to your specific interests, whether you're drawn to historical sites, local cuisine, art, or architecture. This personalized approach ensures a unique and engaging experience that resonates with you, making your tour truly unforgettable.
Booking Your Tour with Guided Istanbul Tours
Embarking on your journey with us is straightforward. To get started, simply fill out the form to connect with our travel experts. They will work closely with you to craft the perfect tour itinerary that aligns with your interests and preferences, ensuring your next visit to Turkey is everything you've dreamed of and more.
Ready to Explore Turkey?
With top ratings across multiple travel platforms, hand‑picked itineraries, and professional licensed guides, you can travel with confidence. Whether you want to walk through Istanbul’s Old City, drift over Cappadocia in a balloon, or stand where Ephesus once ruled the ancient world, your journey can be personalized to fit your needs. Book today and experience Turkey like a local, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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